Dolphin joins MP visit to NCW to champion assistive technology and work experience

Dolphin joins MP visit to New College Worcester to champion accessible technology and employment opportunities

Dolphin Computer Access recently took part in an important visit to New College Worcester (NCW), where Dame Harriett Baldwin MP met with students, staff and employer partners to explore how young people with vision impairments can be better supported into education, independence and employment.

The visit, held on 5 June, brought together key voices from education and industry to highlight both the opportunities and ongoing challenges faced by the vision impaired (VI) community, particularly when transitioning into the workplace.

Highlighting the role of assistive technology

As a leading developer of assistive technology, now its 40th year, Dolphin contributed to discussions around how technology is enabling greater independence, accessibility and inclusion for people with vision impairments.

Conversations focused on the vital link between education and employment, and how tools such as Dolphin ScreenReader and SuperNova Magnification and Speech software can remove barriers, helping individuals access learning, develop digital skills and succeed in professional environments.

However, the discussion also acknowledged that technology alone is not enough. Awareness, employer engagement and meaningful opportunities remain critical to ensuring long-term success.

Supporting meaningful work experience

A key theme throughout the visit was employability. Students at NCW shared their experiences of preparing for work, including the importance of real-world placements in building confidence, independence and practical skills.

Dolphin spoke about its own experience of regularly hosting visually impaired students, highlighting the mutual benefits of inclusive work placements. Not only do these opportunities provide invaluable experience for students, but they also bring fresh perspectives and skills to businesses.

This reflects Dolphin’s ongoing commitment to supporting young people with vision impairments by offering meaningful, hands-on work experience that helps bridge the gap between education and employment. 

As a Disability Confident Employer and RNIB Visibly Better Employer, Dolphin is aware of the mutual benefits and value work experience brings to the organisation, as well as the individuals taking part. 

Read more about some of our experiences offering practical work experience to young people with vision impairments through companies such as Blind in Business, New College Worcester and the Royal National College for the Blind in Hereford.
 

Addressing challenges facing the VI community

The visit also provided a platform to discuss the barriers that many visually impaired individuals still face when seeking employment. These include:

• Limited access to inclusive work placements
• A lack of awareness or confidence among employers
• Inconsistent access to assistive technology and support
• Wider structural and funding challenges within specialist education

By bringing together policymakers, educators and employers, the visit helped highlight the need for a more joined-up approach to improving outcomes for the VI community.

A shared commitment to opportunity and independence

Throughout the day, Dame Harriett Baldwin engaged with students, gaining first-hand insight into their ambitions and the support they need to achieve them. Discussions reinforced the importance of equipping young people not only with academic knowledge, but also with the confidence, independence and practical skills required for life beyond education.
For Dolphin, the visit was an opportunity to demonstrate how assistive technology, when combined with the right opportunities and support, can play a transformative role in unlocking potential.

Looking ahead

Dolphin remains committed to working with education providers, employers and policymakers to improve access to technology and expand opportunities for people with vision impairments.

By continuing to invest in inclusive practices and meaningful work experience, organisations can help ensure that young people with vision impairments are not only prepared for the workplace they are able to thrive within it.